I love you, I hate you Philippines

I admit I have a love-hate relationship towards my country and being a Filipino. I am not all nationalistic or patriotic but I'm a full-blooded Filipino.

I'm writing this because of what happened last Monday, 23rd of August, in Manila. The hostage taking of a bus load of tourists from Hong Kong which left eight dead made headlines - not the headlines we'd like to be in.

I was at work during that time so I get my updates via Twitter. It was really shocking knowing it already made its way to CNN and all other international news channels. More so disheartening when I watched the news that night.

To be honest, I am ashamed right now, how it was handled was inexplicable. I'm also embarrassed of being a Filipino in a foreign country. I am no police officer or military but I believe it could have been handled differently. I'm not preaching because I know no one wants to be told how their work should be done (and clearly, I'm not a police or military officer for that matter). But it's plain common sense that in critical situations like these, we must learn how to think, assess, calculate our actions and listen.

Hong Kong announced a travel advisory and put Philippines on their black list shortly after. We can't blame them, they are just looking after the security of their people.

The event has badly damaged the country's image (as if it isn't tarnished already). Hearing how Filipinos in other parts of the world are being treated after what happened, I can't help but feel helpless. These things happen all over the world and not just in our country but this time the spotlight's on us. Let's just hope and pray that this doesn't happen again - typing this phrase is like shooting for the moon, but what the hell anyone can hope right?

Been There: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I was making a KLM luggage tag earlier which required a travel photo. Initially, I was planning to put my first out-of-the-country trip which was Singapore with my mom in 2006. But moving here six months ago, I decided not to since this has become my second 'home'. So I searched my archives to look for a really nice one, and if I say nice it means that I look pretty, skinny, and 'fashown'. I decided to use this:

This actually fits my photo requirements. That's the Petronas Twin Towers in the backround.

The trip to Kuala Lumpur was my first out-of-the-country trip with my GMCI family. It was a first year anniversary gift from ze boss. Looking at the photos made me feel nostalgic, alas, this blog post (I really intend to post my travels here and this is a start).

Another thing I miss, my girls: Joyce, me, Nix, Charl, and Arbee (not in photo).

Some nice building with pretty lights in the background with Charl, Nix, Alma, Marlon, and Paul. Sara was taking the photo.

Aside from being the trip with many firsts, this was the time when I told myself I'll travel the world. Traveling requires planning and saving (a lot of it) and most of all, someone to share the experience with.

Step Up

This is what I need to do.

I am now experiencing "Stress Drilon" in Singapore. I actually missed this kind of pressure but it feels a bit odd because I'm too afraid to make the wrong move.

I know I shouldn't think about it as it will make things worse. Ok, back to being optimistic.

I WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN. Repeat 10x or more.

On another note, glad someone made me smile today.

I'm not even sure if I want to go there

And I don't know if I want to talk about it. 

Because talking and telling people about it means it may not end the way I want it to.

But I want to talk about it and I don't want it to end.

It's been friggin' long since I've felt this giddy and well... giddy like a school girl with a crush.

P.S. Thanks and please make it last.

Hello August!

The past six months of my life has been CRAZY! But I love every moment of it. I told myself that this year will be the start of my adventure --- chasing dreams (and 'souls'), traveling, learning, and falling in love. Well, I'm glad I was able to start with the first three in my list. The love part is not a priority but I won't say no to it when it happens.

I can't believe it's August already. I love this month mainly because it's my birth month.

Let me share with you the highlights for this month:

Bangkok Trip. A very good way to start the month! I spent four days in Bangkok with Charl shopping and just aimlessly walking around. It's really nice to see her after five months. Imagine my delight when I saw her walking along Khao San Road. I ran with my bags and all and hugged her. 

 

 Has it been that long? Reunited after five friggin' months.

My first Singapore National Day. I don't really know how to feel about this because my friends aren't here to celebrate with me - Joyce has work and Cho is in Malaysia. I'll just have to play it by ear and drag my butt outside. The problem living in a high-rise building is I get too lazy to move.

My 24th birthday. I planned to go home since I'm going to get a birthday leave (for the first time) but I'll see because the end of the month is going to be busy. The thought of celebrating it away from home is sad but knowing people miss me is kind of exciting. I'm really looking forward to my friend's surprise.

 My 'teaser' birthday gift. Wonder what the actual gift is, a date perhaps?

Office move. I'm really happy with work and my colleagues are just great. I get loaded with a lot of information everyday but I love the thrill it gives me. Even if I'm stuck in my chair all afternoon I'm not complaining because I still need to learn some more before going out there. We'll be moving to a new location soon and it's been a while since I shopped for office supplies. Yes, I love colorful pens and notebooks so YAY! I really enjoy it like back-to-school shopping.

And that's August for me.